Britain's Sonay Kartal downs Jelena Ostapenko to make the Wuhan Open final in just her third tournament back from six months out injured.
Sonay Kartal's comeback is turning into something special. The British No. 1 has beaten former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko to book a place in the Wuhan Open final.
What makes it remarkable is the timing. Kartal spent roughly six months on the sidelines with injury, and this is only her third tournament since returning. Few players come back from that long away and find a rhythm this quickly, let alone reach a final.
Ostapenko is one of the most dangerous ball-strikers on tour, a Grand Slam winner who can turn a match on its head with her power and fearlessness. Getting past her takes composure as well as quality, and Kartal found both when it counted.
For Kartal, the week has been a reminder of what she can do at the top level. Whatever happens in the final, the Wuhan run shows that her time away has not dulled her edge, and the rest of the tour will be paying attention.
